Not All It’s Cracked Up To Be? Adjusting to Retirement

It happens sometimes. After forty years in the workplace the long-awaited retirement ceremony arrives. Co-workers and friends pat you on the back saying “Well done, now you can do all those things you’ve dreamed of doing.” You’ll travel, never set an alarm clock again and life will be a dream. Except it isn’t. You find that retired life is a bit lonely, you can’t afford to do the luxurious things you dreamed of and at the bottom of the mixture of feelings you’re experiencing is a lack of purpose.

You’re not the first person to experience these thoughts and feelings. If you’ve worked hard for many years it can be a difficult adjustment when your schedule is wide open—it’s a major life change. While the freedom is appreciated, the way to use all that free time may not automatically fall into place. Some people go back to work and find they’re happier for it. Others find a part-time job to fill some of the hours and bring in a little extra income. However if you want to embrace retirement but just need a few ideas to make it a richer and more vital experience, here are a few tips to point you in the right direction.

Keep Learning

After many years as an elementary school teacher, one sixty-seven year old

grandma decided to go back to college and earn a Bachelor’s Degree. She

began teaching in the days when credentials weren’t necessary and she said

she “wanted to finally earn the money she was worth.” It’s never too late to

will be those important friendships that last a lifetime, but we all need some more

casual friendships too. Keep your eyes open for people with whom you “click”

and don’t be shy about suggesting a coffee date or a walk together. Interactions

with others add a spark to an otherwise routine day, so go ahead and reach out to

others.

Life is good at any age and retirement life can be rich and full. Do all you can to stay healthy and be sure you’re generous with both time and resources. Include some laughter in each day and treasure time with family and friends.